Blessed Francis Holy Father

The author and original composer of this hymn about St Francis of Assisi are unknown.

The St Gregory Hymnal and Catholic Choir Book (1920) published in Philadelphia says that the text is from the Franciscan Manual, and sets it to a tune "from a Slovak Hymnal" arranged by the editor, Nicholas Montani. The sheet music for this is below.

It was included, unattributed, in a book of mission hymns published by the Franciscian order in 1907.

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Examples

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Lyrics

Traditional language

Blessed Francis, holy father,
Now our hearts to thee we raise,
As we gather round thine altar,
Pouring forth our hymn of praise.
Bless thy children, holy Francis,
Who thy mighty help implore,
For in heaven thou remain-est
Still the father of the poor.

By thy love so deep and burning
For thy Savior crucified;
By the tokens which He gave thee
On thy hands, and feet and side:
Bless thy children, holy Francis,
With those wounded hands of thine,
From thy glorious throne in heaven,
Where resplendestly they shrine.

Humble follower of Jesus,
Likened to Him in thy birth,
In thy way through life despising,
For His sake, the goods of earth:
Make us love the priceless virtue
By our hidden God esteemed,
Make it valued, holy Francis;
By the souls of the redeemed.

Teach us also, dear Saint Francis,
How to mourn for ev'ry sin;
May we walk in thy dear footsteps
Till the crown of life we win.
Bless thy children, holy Francis,
With those wonderful hands of thine,
From the glorious throne in heaven,
Where resplendently they shine.

Modern language

Blessed Francis, holy father,
Now our hearts to you we raise,
As we gather round your altar,
Pouring forth our hymn of praise.
Bless your children, holy Francis,
Who your mighty help, implore,
For in heaven you remain
Still the father of the poor.

By your love so deep and burning
For your Savior crucified;
By the tokens which He gave you
On your hands, and feet and side:
Bless your children, holy Francis,
With those wounded hands of yours,
From your glorious throne in heaven,
Where resplendently they shrine.

Humble follower of Jesus,
Likened to Him in your birth,
In you way through life despising,
For His sake, the goods of earth:
Make us love the priceless virtue
By our hidden God esteemed,
Make it valued, holy Francis;
By the souls of the redeemed.

Teach us also, dear Saint Francis,
How to mourn for ev'ry sin;
May we walk in your dear footsteps
Till the crown of life, we win.
Bless your children, holy Francis,
With those wonderful hands of yours,
From the glorious throne in heaven,
Where resplendently they shine.